Upbeat News and Advice

Constant snacking has an obvious impact on our waistlines, however it can also significantly affect your teeth. Did you know that the pH, or acidity, in our mouths is constantly changing throughout the day? Consuming sugary snacks and acidic drinks causes the pH in our mouth to drop and the acidic environment causes demineralisation of our tooth enamel

COVID-19 is changing every possible aspect of our lives and we may feel helpless at times. However, there are practical things we can do in our homes to limit the risks of cross-contamination or infection – starting in our own bathrooms.

Hand hygiene is now a recognised practise for disease control but what is the most effective way at killing the germs, in particular the Coronavirus? Following the guidelines from the NHS and the World Health Organisation, Upbeat explores the Hows and the Whys of keeping your hands clean.

We are told from a young age to brush our teeth twice a day. Plaque, the soft sticky film of bacteria, that builds along our gum line needs to be removed regularly to avoid oral health problems such as gingivitis and gum disease. Research also shows that the bacteria found in plaque can escape into the bloodstream and cause numerous other health problems including heart attacks and dementia. But what is the best way to remove it?

Interdental brushes are small brushes that are designed to clean the gaps between your teeth (interdental spaces). Interdental spaces are a haven for the deposition of plaque and these areas cannot be cleaned effectively with a regular toothbrush. If plaque is allowed to build up in these hard to reach places it can lead to oral disease and tooth decay. The most common reason that gums bleed is the presence of plaque on the teeth and around the gum line.